Health Impact Assessment
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an established form of IA, applied in different countries worldwide for at least twenty years.HIA predicts and anticipates the health implications of proposed projects, programs, plans, or policies. It informs decision-makers about options to maximize the positive impacts and minimize the negative impacts and to manage these impacts appropriately.
HIA considers quantitative and qualitative impacts. HIA strives to be inclusive and uses comprehensive definitions of health such as: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity [Constitution of the World Health Organization (1946)].
HIA considers quantitative and qualitative impacts. HIA strives to be inclusive and uses comprehensive definitions of health such as: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity [Constitution of the World Health Organization (1946)].
|
The following summaries were generated by AI, with occasional human intervention to improve readability or sense. ChatGPT was asked to "Summarise in about 100 words, including author, date, number of pages, and source, but not the title, the following:..." . The purpose is to provide basic information to allow users to decide whether the source is likely to meet their needs. Note that the presence of resources on this website does not indicate endorsement by NZAIA.
|
A Guide to Health Impact Assessments for Communities (Environmental Health Project, Penn., US, 2024)
The Environmental Health Project, according to their website, is "a nonprofit public health organization that assists and supports residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond who believe their health has been, or could be, impacted by oil and gas development." This report provides guidance on addressing environmental health risks within development and public health practice, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. It emphasises that environmental factors—such as water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and pollution—are key determinants of health outcomes. The document outlines practical approaches for assessing risks, strengthening governance, and integrating environmental health into planning and service delivery. It highlights the importance of community engagement, cross-sector coordination, and capacity building. Overall, the report promotes proactive, preventive strategies to reduce exposure to environmental hazards and improve population health, recognising the complex and interconnected nature of environmental health systems.
The Environmental Health Project, according to their website, is "a nonprofit public health organization that assists and supports residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond who believe their health has been, or could be, impacted by oil and gas development." This report provides guidance on addressing environmental health risks within development and public health practice, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. It emphasises that environmental factors—such as water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and pollution—are key determinants of health outcomes. The document outlines practical approaches for assessing risks, strengthening governance, and integrating environmental health into planning and service delivery. It highlights the importance of community engagement, cross-sector coordination, and capacity building. Overall, the report promotes proactive, preventive strategies to reduce exposure to environmental hazards and improve population health, recognising the complex and interconnected nature of environmental health systems.
A place in the public health toolbox: policy brief 1 on health impact assessments
and incorporating health into environmental assessments. (WHO Regional Office for
Europe, 2023)
The report provides updated guidance on Health Impact Assessment (HIA) as a tool to integrate health considerations into policies, plans, and projects across sectors. It emphasises a broad understanding of health, including social, environmental, and economic determinants, and highlights the importance of equity and reducing health inequalities. The document outlines key stages of HIA, practical methods, and governance considerations, stressing the need for intersectoral collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and transparency. It also reflects growing alignment with sustainability and health-in-all-policies approaches, positioning HIA as a critical mechanism for improving decision-making and achieving healthier, more equitable outcomes.
and incorporating health into environmental assessments. (WHO Regional Office for
Europe, 2023)
The report provides updated guidance on Health Impact Assessment (HIA) as a tool to integrate health considerations into policies, plans, and projects across sectors. It emphasises a broad understanding of health, including social, environmental, and economic determinants, and highlights the importance of equity and reducing health inequalities. The document outlines key stages of HIA, practical methods, and governance considerations, stressing the need for intersectoral collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and transparency. It also reflects growing alignment with sustainability and health-in-all-policies approaches, positioning HIA as a critical mechanism for improving decision-making and achieving healthier, more equitable outcomes.
Health Impact Assessment Guidance: A Manual. Standalone Health Impact Assessment and health in environmental assessment. (Pyper, R., Cave, B., Purdy, J. and McAvoy, H.
Institute of Public Health. Dublin and Belfast, 2021.)
The manual provides comprehensive guidance on conducting Health Impact Assessment (HIA) as a structured approach to evaluating how policies, plans, programmes, or projects may affect population health and health inequalities. It promotes a broad understanding of health, encompassing social, environmental, and economic determinants, and emphasises intersectoral collaboration. The document outlines the full HIA process—screening, scoping, appraisal, reporting, and monitoring—supported by practical tools and evidence-based methods. Designed for policymakers and practitioners, it aims to embed health in decision-making, improve community wellbeing, and ensure that potential positive impacts are maximised while negative impacts are mitigated.
Institute of Public Health. Dublin and Belfast, 2021.)
The manual provides comprehensive guidance on conducting Health Impact Assessment (HIA) as a structured approach to evaluating how policies, plans, programmes, or projects may affect population health and health inequalities. It promotes a broad understanding of health, encompassing social, environmental, and economic determinants, and emphasises intersectoral collaboration. The document outlines the full HIA process—screening, scoping, appraisal, reporting, and monitoring—supported by practical tools and evidence-based methods. Designed for policymakers and practitioners, it aims to embed health in decision-making, improve community wellbeing, and ensure that potential positive impacts are maximised while negative impacts are mitigated.
International Best Practice Principles for Health Impact Assessment (IAIA, 2021)
The document sets out international best practice principles for Health Impact Assessment (HIA), defined as a systematic process for evaluating how policies, plans, programmes, or projects affect population health and its distribution. It emphasises integrating health considerations early in decision-making, focusing on broad determinants of health (social, environmental, and economic), and prioritising equity and vulnerable groups. The guidance promotes stakeholder participation, transparency, and rigorous, evidence-based analysis. It also highlights the need for monitoring and evaluation, and for embedding HIA within wider impact assessment processes to support sustainable development and improve health outcomes.
The document sets out international best practice principles for Health Impact Assessment (HIA), defined as a systematic process for evaluating how policies, plans, programmes, or projects affect population health and its distribution. It emphasises integrating health considerations early in decision-making, focusing on broad determinants of health (social, environmental, and economic), and prioritising equity and vulnerable groups. The guidance promotes stakeholder participation, transparency, and rigorous, evidence-based analysis. It also highlights the need for monitoring and evaluation, and for embedding HIA within wider impact assessment processes to support sustainable development and improve health outcomes.
Public Health Wales - Health Impact Assessment Toolkit (Public Health Wales NHS Trust, 2021)
Produced by the Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU), this toolkit provides practical guidance for integrating Health Impact Assessment (HIA) into Local Development Plans and related planning processes in Wales. It emphasises the strong links between land-use planning and health, encouraging early and systematic consideration of health and wellbeing, including equity impacts. Structured in two parts, it outlines policy context and strategic entry points for health input, alongside practical tools, case studies, and resources for implementation. The guidance promotes cross-sector collaboration between planners and public health professionals, aiming to create healthier, more equitable communities by embedding health considerations throughout planning policy development and decision-making.
Produced by the Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU), this toolkit provides practical guidance for integrating Health Impact Assessment (HIA) into Local Development Plans and related planning processes in Wales. It emphasises the strong links between land-use planning and health, encouraging early and systematic consideration of health and wellbeing, including equity impacts. Structured in two parts, it outlines policy context and strategic entry points for health input, alongside practical tools, case studies, and resources for implementation. The guidance promotes cross-sector collaboration between planners and public health professionals, aiming to create healthier, more equitable communities by embedding health considerations throughout planning policy development and decision-making.
Health Impact Assessment in spatial planning. A guide for local authority public health and planning teams. (Public Health England, 2020)
The guidance outlines how Health Impact Assessment (HIA) can be applied within spatial planning to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. It emphasises that planning decisions—both policy-making and development proposals—significantly influence health, and HIA helps identify, mitigate, and enhance these impacts. The document provides practical advice on when HIA is required, how to scope and undertake assessments, and how to integrate HIA with other appraisal processes. It promotes embedding health considerations early in planning, developing local HIA policies, and fostering collaboration between public health and planning professionals to support healthier, more equitable communities.
The guidance outlines how Health Impact Assessment (HIA) can be applied within spatial planning to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. It emphasises that planning decisions—both policy-making and development proposals—significantly influence health, and HIA helps identify, mitigate, and enhance these impacts. The document provides practical advice on when HIA is required, how to scope and undertake assessments, and how to integrate HIA with other appraisal processes. It promotes embedding health considerations early in planning, developing local HIA policies, and fostering collaboration between public health and planning professionals to support healthier, more equitable communities.
Human health: Ensuring a high level of protection - a reference paper on addressing Human Health in Environmental Impact Assessment (IAIA/EPHA, 2020)
The paper provides guidance on integrating human health into Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in line with EU directives. It emphasises that health should be considered broadly, including physical, mental, and social well-being, and shaped by environmental and social determinants. The document outlines principles, methods, and good practices across EIA stages—screening, scoping, assessment, and monitoring—highlighting stakeholder engagement and equity. It also addresses challenges such as limited data and unclear definitions, advocating interdisciplinary collaboration and improved tools to ensure that EIA supports better decision-making and stronger protection of population health.
The paper provides guidance on integrating human health into Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in line with EU directives. It emphasises that health should be considered broadly, including physical, mental, and social well-being, and shaped by environmental and social determinants. The document outlines principles, methods, and good practices across EIA stages—screening, scoping, assessment, and monitoring—highlighting stakeholder engagement and equity. It also addresses challenges such as limited data and unclear definitions, advocating interdisciplinary collaboration and improved tools to ensure that EIA supports better decision-making and stronger protection of population health.
HUDU Rapid HIA Tool (London Healthy Urban Development Unit, 2019)
The document presents a rapid Health Impact Assessment (HIA) tool designed to quickly evaluate the likely health and wellbeing impacts of development plans and proposals. It uses a structured assessment matrix covering key determinants such as housing, access to services, green space, air quality, transport, safety, employment, and social cohesion. The tool is intended to be practical and proportionate, enabling planners and stakeholders to identify potential positive and negative impacts, recommend mitigation measures, and enhance benefits. While less detailed than a full HIA, it supports early-stage decision-making and promotes the integration of health considerations into planning processes.
The document presents a rapid Health Impact Assessment (HIA) tool designed to quickly evaluate the likely health and wellbeing impacts of development plans and proposals. It uses a structured assessment matrix covering key determinants such as housing, access to services, green space, air quality, transport, safety, employment, and social cohesion. The tool is intended to be practical and proportionate, enabling planners and stakeholders to identify potential positive and negative impacts, recommend mitigation measures, and enhance benefits. While less detailed than a full HIA, it supports early-stage decision-making and promotes the integration of health considerations into planning processes.
ADB - Health Impact Assessment: A Good Practice Sourcebook (Asian Development Bank, 2018)
The sourcebook provides comprehensive guidance on conducting Health Impact Assessment (HIA) within development projects, particularly in the context of ADB safeguards and procedures. It explains how HIA systematically evaluates the potential health effects of policies, plans, programmes, and projects, integrating environmental, social, and economic determinants of health. The document outlines key stages—screening, scoping, baseline analysis, impact assessment, mitigation, and monitoring—and offers practical tools and methods for implementation. It emphasises aligning HIA with project cycles, strengthening public health management plans, and ensuring that development initiatives maximise positive health outcomes while minimising risks for affected communities.
The sourcebook provides comprehensive guidance on conducting Health Impact Assessment (HIA) within development projects, particularly in the context of ADB safeguards and procedures. It explains how HIA systematically evaluates the potential health effects of policies, plans, programmes, and projects, integrating environmental, social, and economic determinants of health. The document outlines key stages—screening, scoping, baseline analysis, impact assessment, mitigation, and monitoring—and offers practical tools and methods for implementation. It emphasises aligning HIA with project cycles, strengthening public health management plans, and ensuring that development initiatives maximise positive health outcomes while minimising risks for affected communities.
Health in Environmental Impact Assessment: A Primer for a Proportionate Approach (Ben Cave Assoc./IEMA/Faculty of Public Health, 2017)
The primer explains how human health should be incorporated into Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in a practical and proportionate way following updates to the EU EIA Directive. It emphasises that health is a required topic but lacks a fixed definition, so practitioners must adopt a broad, evidence-based understanding including environmental, social, and economic determinants. The guidance outlines key principles—such as proportionality, focusing on likely significant effects, equity, consistency, and reasonableness—and stresses effective scoping and stakeholder engagement. It aims to help practitioners avoid overly complex assessments while ensuring that meaningful health impacts are identified, assessed, and clearly reported to support better decision-making.
The primer explains how human health should be incorporated into Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in a practical and proportionate way following updates to the EU EIA Directive. It emphasises that health is a required topic but lacks a fixed definition, so practitioners must adopt a broad, evidence-based understanding including environmental, social, and economic determinants. The guidance outlines key principles—such as proportionality, focusing on likely significant effects, equity, consistency, and reasonableness—and stresses effective scoping and stakeholder engagement. It aims to help practitioners avoid overly complex assessments while ensuring that meaningful health impacts are identified, assessed, and clearly reported to support better decision-making.
Health Impact Assessment: A Guide for Practice. (Bhatia R., Human Impact Partners, Oakland, CA, 2011).
The guide provides a practical framework for conducting Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to inform decision-making on policies, plans, and projects. It outlines core stages—screening, scoping, assessment, recommendations, reporting, and monitoring—and emphasises stakeholder participation throughout. The document highlights the importance of evaluating both positive and negative health impacts, including distributional effects and health equity. It presents HIA as a flexible, evolving practice rather than a fixed method, noting variability across contexts and the need for improved standards and evaluation. Overall, it positions HIA as a tool to strengthen evidence-based decisions and promote public health outcomes.
The guide provides a practical framework for conducting Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to inform decision-making on policies, plans, and projects. It outlines core stages—screening, scoping, assessment, recommendations, reporting, and monitoring—and emphasises stakeholder participation throughout. The document highlights the importance of evaluating both positive and negative health impacts, including distributional effects and health equity. It presents HIA as a flexible, evolving practice rather than a fixed method, noting variability across contexts and the need for improved standards and evaluation. Overall, it positions HIA as a tool to strengthen evidence-based decisions and promote public health outcomes.
VIDEO: Health Considerations in Impact Assessment